Minister of Health explains why Adonko Bitters was fined

The Minister of Health, Kweku Agyeman Manu in a parliamentary proceeding has explained why Angel Group of Companies, producers of Adonko Bitters was fined by the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA).

Angel Group of Companies producers of Adonko Bitters was fined an amount of GH25, 000 by the Food and Drugs Authority for the passing out of several youth and minors at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium in Kumasi after an Easter Monday concert.

The Food and Drugs Authority started investigations into this unfortunate events, preliminary investigations by the FDA revealed that the criterion for gaining access to the concert on that Easter Monday was solely on condition that each individual purchased a 750ml bottle of the alcoholic beverage at a cost of GH¢10, a situation which resulted in the Alcoholic beverage being sold to minors as well. It also resulted in excessive consumption, clearly putting the consumers at risk of flouting the caution of drinking responsibly.

The FDA took a decision to sanction the company by suspending its Registration and Advertisement License and also recalled all Adonko Bitters from the markets.

Answering the question in relation to the reason for the sanctions, the Health Minister explained that the company Angel Group of Companies contravened Public Act 2012 (Act 851).

Kweku Agyeman Manu revealed that excessive intoxication at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium on that Easter Monday led to the loss of life. The Minister also revealed that the suspension was lifted on May 9, 2017.

Meanwhile the FDA has since organized training for the management and staff of Adonko Bitters to address the regulations gaps that led to the infractions.